State Declared Free of Bird Flu 

The state agricultural department declared Georgia’s poultry farms free of bird flu, welcome news for the state’s economy and, possibly, U.S. consumers in sticker shock over egg prices.

This week’s all-clear comes after the agriculture department on Feb. 10 lifted a statewide ban on poultry shows, citing controls put in place after bird flu was detected at two sites in Elbert County.

Elsewhere, California’s bird flu cases are slowing, adding to the positive trend. When or if egg prices will start dropping remains unclear, however, as factors in addition to bird flu are possibly impacting costs.

Georgia’s poultry industry—one of the largest in the nation—contributes more than $25 billion a year to the state’s economy, a University of Georgia report shows.

  Lucy McBath Prepares for Governor Run 

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath filed paperwork to raise money for a 2026 governor run. The metro Atlanta resident has been a member of Congress since 2018 and is the first Democrat to officially announce her campaign.

Other Democrats exploring a run include former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb County chief executive Michael Thurmond.

On the Republican side, state Attorney General Chris Carr is already running and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is widely expected to run to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited.

McBath gained prominence as a gun safety activist after her son was killed at a Jacksonville gas station in 2012. She focused on ending gun violence when she was elected to her first political office in 2018.

Carter Statue Proposed for U.S. Capitol

State Sen. Jason Esteves proposes replacing a statue in the U.S. Capitol of Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens with one of former President Jimmy Carter. Both were also governors of Georgia.

There are currently statues honoring Carter at the Georgia State Capitol and a peanut-inspired one in his hometown of Plains.

“It is abundantly fitting and proper that this esteemed historic Georgian be appropriately recognized in the United States Capitol,” states a proposed resolution Esteves submitted to the Georgia legislature.

In another proposal to honor Carter, the state’s congressional delegation introduced a bipartisan bill last month to posthumously award him with a Congressional Gold Medal.

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➤ Polk County: Deputies rescued a duck trapped inside the county jail’s perimeter fence. The duck was given a new home at a local farm. (Watch)

➤ Talbot County: A 52-year-old man from Box Springs was arrested for intentionally setting a 108-acre wildfire that damaged multiple buildings and homes. (More)

➤ Columbus: The state Supreme Court suspended the law license of a local attorney who allegedly shared client information and violated conduct rules. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Recently appointed school superintendent Bryan Johnson said his top goals include raising average teacher salaries to $100,000 and addressing low literacy rates. (More)

➤ Hall County: An 18-year-old South Korean was arrested in Flowery Branch after allegedly entering a high school without authorization and buying students gifts to meet them. (More)

➤ Fulton County: Officials are offering guaranteed job interviews to laid-off federal workers amidst recent government cuts. (More)

➤ Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. said he wants to be a more careful baserunner and steal fewer bases after returning from his second ACL tear as a professional. (More)

➤ Georgia Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will return for the 2025 season despite criticism from many fans. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons decided to let cornerback Dee Alford become an unrestricted free agent. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | PGA | LPGA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | Soccer 

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➤ Restaurant chain On the Border filed for bankruptcy, closing its six Georgia restaurants and many of its locations in other states, citing financial and operational challenges. (See Closure List)

➤ Savannah’s chamber of commerce president says Georgia is positioned to lead the nation’s Battery Belt states in electric battery manufacturing and other innovations. (More)

➤ A store that sells houseplants recently opened inside a bright pink shipping container at Atlanta’s Pittsburgh Yards. (Watch)

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➤ Loud, red-eyed Brood XIV cicadas are expected to emerge in Georgia and 11 other states between mid-April and mid-May after 17 years underground. (More)

➤ A Braves 2021 World Series ring is up for auction. The starting bid was $3,000 with the auction lasting until March 15. (See Image)

➤ Georgia ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for fishing. It’s a top performer in offering diverse saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities. (More)

Have you ever eaten at On The Border? 

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

After this week’s launch of The Ohio Flyover, we’re curious: Do you have any ties to Ohio? 

1. Yes: 34%
2. No: 66%

What Georgia island is home to the only herd of wild horses on the Atlantic Coast?

Show me the answer